The touchscreen makes navigating menus a snap because the “virtual buttons” change depending on the function – allowing boaters to intuitively see and select the information they want, while eliminating the clutter they don’t. The touchscreen also eliminates the need for “hard” buttons, a valuable space saver on smaller helms. The 5000 series’ sleek flat-screen design looks great flush mounted and also includes a bail mount for upright mounting.

The GPSMAP 5212 comes pre-loaded with detailed U.S. coastal charts – including detailed Explorer Charts data for the Bahamas. The unit also features an enhanced worldwide satellite imagery basemap to enhance the standard vector chart format.

The g2 Vision data card also enables auto guidance technology on compatible units – searching all the chart attributes to suggest the best navigational course. For help in navigating tricky harbors and channels – or locating marinas and resorts – g2 Vision cards offer a growing database of aerial reference photos. BlueChart g2 Vision capabilities are only available when the optional card is loaded in a compatible chartplotter.

The 5000 series has all of the same networking capabilities of other multifunction displays within the proprietary Garmin Marine Network, a system that combines GPS, radar, sonar, XM WX Satellite Weather, and other data for unparalleled situational awareness. All 5000 series units are NMEA 2000 compliant. For maximum expandability, 5000 series units have three built-in network ports, four NMEA 0183 inputs, two NMEA 0183 outputs, one NMEA 2000 port, two video inputs for onboard cameras, and one PC monitor video output.

Garmin is also proud to announce the GPSMAP 5208, which offers virtually all the features of the GPSMAP 5212 in a smaller package. The 8.4-inch diagonal color touchscreen combines a VGA display for installation in tighter quarters.

For international boaters, Garmin is also offering the GPSMAP 5012 and GPSMAP 5008 – offering the same specifications as the 5212 and 5208 (respectively), minus the pre-loaded charts of the coastal United States. g2 Vision SD cards featuring detailed BlueChart cartography can be purchased separately for use in these units.

The GPSMAP 5212 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $3499.99 and the GPSMAP 5208 has an MSRP of $2999.99. The GPSMAP 5012 has an MSRP of $3399.99, while the GPSMAP 5008 retails for $2899.99. The 5000 series is expected to be available in June 2007. Visit www.garmin.com for more information.

“The GPSMAP 5000 series firmly solidifies Garmin as a leading innovator in marine navigation,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s Vice President of Worldwide Sales. “From the pioneering touchscreen display to the intuitive user interface to the elegant industrial design – the 5000 series represents the pinnacle of functionality, versatility, and value in marine electronics.”

– About Garmin International Inc.Garmin International, Inc. is a member of the Garmin Ltd. group of companies which designs, manufactures, markets, and sells navigation, communication and information devices and applications — most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin is a leader in consumer and general aviation navigation and its products serve the automotive/mobile, outdoor/fitness, marine, and aviation markets. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom